Influence of different agro-climatic factors on Eucalyptus citriodora hook performance in Karnataka, India

Abstract

The eucalyptus trees are characterized by evergreen foliage that is variably fragrant due to presence of volatile essential oils. They are used extensively in perfumery and pharmaceutical industry and their amount and fragrance varies with the species. E. citriodora is a large, quick-growing tree, extensively planted and coppiced for the extraction of essential oil that is rich in citronellal and used in perfumery and as flavouring agents. Climatic and edapic factors play an important roles in making E. citriodora plantation economically viable. To know the performance of E. citriodora in terms of yield and quality in different agro-climatic zones of Karnataka the present study was carried out. E. citriodora foliage yield directly correlated with rainfall, whereas, oil content of foliage was not much influenced by rainfall. However, citronellal content of Eucalyptus citriodora oil was highest in dryer areas, where rainfall is less compared to high rainfall areas. E. citriodora grown in deep sandy loam soils recorded higher foliage yield and oil content, whereas, citronellal was more in deep to medium deep loamy soils. Eucalyptus citriodora foliage yield, oil content and citronellal content was highest in the plantations grown in AEZ 10, where length of growing period is 150-180 days than AEZ 7. E. citriodora performs well in areas where rainfall is more than 750mm with LGP of 150-180 days having deep sandy loam to sandy clay loam soils.